Just show up at a local gym; ask to talk to the coach and find out what shows people who train there have fought on, how recently and how they did. The research those shows/ tournaments etc That's the easiest way to find out if a place is bona fide or not

Any opinions I express on this forum are entirely personal opinions and it should not be assumed that they reflect the official view of any organisations I am connected with

To be fair, I might have misjudged this guy and it may be appropriate for me to apologise. Instead of that, I will give some extra advice, a real tip that make sure any aspiring fighter gets off to a strong start.

Keep a low profile when you look round the local gyms. When you decide on a club, you want everyone to know not to mess you about. Before you start training, go along to watch a class.

Wait til the instructor is talking through a point of detail, so it's nice and quiet, then jump up and hit the nearest heavy bag with 10-15 of your hardest strikes. stare out anyone from the class who looks at you, then laugh and walk out, saying 'that's how it's done fellas, see you next Tuesday.'